By Lauren Shook
A&E Editor

Panic! At the Disco released their newest album, “Death of a Bachelor,” on Jan. 15, 2016.

The band is known for altering and experimenting with their style with each new album, and “Death of a Bachelor” definitely doesn’t disappoint.

The album opens up with the catchy anthem “Victorious.”

The track is high energy and the verses feature melodies that will definitely get stuck in your head. Brendon Urie’s vocal talent is showcased early on in the album.

The second song on the album, “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time,” describes the day after a raging party. The track starts off with a hook that had me drawn in right away.

Besides the catchy musicality of the song, the lyrics are entertaining and hilarious.

“I’m not as think as you drunk I am,” Urie sings, perfectly describing that moment we’ve all experienced when you try to convince your friends that you’re really not that drunk.

“Hallelujah” brings an inspirational vibe to the album. It acts as a track that welcomes the listener, and makes you feel like you’re not alone.

Urie sings “being blue is better than being over it.” I took this as a nod to the hard feelings we experience with the passing of a hurtful time in your life. Sometimes it’s better to face your feelings, rather than avoiding them with numbness.

“Emperor’s New Clothes” is another track that is memorable from the start. The haunting melody along with Urie’s talented vocals make the song one of my favorites from “Death of a Bachelor.”

The music video for “Emperor’s New Clothes” is just as intense as the song itself. It opens with clips from Panic! At the Disco’s 2013 hit “This Is Gospel,” and quickly transforms into a dark, twisted underworld theme.

Titled after the album, the fifth track, “Death of a Bachelor,” brings aspects of the jazz genre into the album.

The song feels like it’s been influenced greatly by Frank Sinatra, but with a modern twist. Urie’s vocal range is beyond impressive in this song.

“Golden Days” paints a picture of remembering the good days. The buildup and fast guitar featured in the chorus gives the song a punk-pop feel.

The final track of the album, “Impossible Year,” brings the album all together. The track seems to me like an ode to the bad blood between Urie and his ex-band members.

Spencer Smith, who had co-founded Panic! At the Disco with Urie, announced his separation from the band in early April 2015.

“Impossible Year” is a slow ballad that ends feeling unresolved.

The theme, along with the uneasy ending of the song, might have something to do with the discomfort between members of the band through the past year.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed listening to Panic! At the Disco’s newest album.

There was a huge variety in themes and melodies throughout all 11 songs that kept me captivated the whole time.

I’ll definitely be listening to “Death of a Bachelor” in my car for the next few weeks, and I recommend others give it a listen too!

Email Lauren at:
lshook2@live.esu.edu